On Monday 14th August 2017, Mr Chris Steel MLA joined The Honourable Mr Manasseh Damukana Sogavare MP, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and Madam Mrs Emmy Sogavare, to plant a Ficus carica (common fig) in the Central Valley of the National Arboretum Canberra.
Ficus carica, commonly called the fig tree, is a deciduous tree or large shrub, growing to a height of 7–10 metres, with smooth white bark.
The fig is from the mulberry family, native to the Middle East and western Asia. It has been cultivated since ancient times and is now widely grown throughout the world, both for its fruit and as an ornamental plant. Some cultivars of the fig are grown in the Solomon Islands.
Ceremonial trees planted from around the world
The National Arboretum Canberra is home to over 44,000 trees from more than one hundred nations. Many Australian and international leaders and public figures have planted ceremonial trees at the National Arboretum, including Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; His Excellency Jose Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste; renowned Australian author, Mr Thomas Keneally and Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
Through ceremonial tree plantings and other special events, the National Arboretum Canberra builds partnerships with local, national and international organisations, individuals and communities to further its role in global tree conservation and research.